The merit in tragedy.

There is something to be said for tragedy, and the way it brings people together. It inspires acts of desperate bravery, and for a few moments, makes people forget all the differences and enmities that lie between them. Today's tragedy does not belong to me, but to Angie's entire family. Jason has another daughter, who he has not seen since she was seven years old. She is fourteen years old and has grown up in a home where her mother taught her to hate Jason and Angie, and their family. She does not know about Meghan and Daniel.

Today, Jason received word that her stepfather has been abusing her. She has been taken out of custody of the mother and stepfather and is in Reno, where court will be held tomorrow to determine where she will go. Jason is flying out tomorrow morning to file for custody. He will probably be taking her to live with his mother for a while, because the girl knows her grandmother. She does not know Jason. Jason is using the last of their savings to fly to the court.

This situation is heartbreaking to the whole family, who have always loved the girl from afar, even if she doesn't know them. This isn't going to be easy on anyone - Jason especially, who has made the decision to take responsibility for his daughter, that doesn't know, that for all he knows, hates his guts. I'd say that takes a great deal of courage on his part, and the family to stand by and support them.

I may be a little bit insane, or maybe just imagining things, but I have this overwhelming feeling that everything's going to be okay. I have had this feeling before, and it has always turned out the be correct. I'd tell you when and what happened, but then you'd really think I was nuts... I really think it's going to be alright, though, if not in the way that people might expect, or in the time they think it will. It'll be rough going for sure, but it will be well in the end. If I may quote the Bible for a moment, "All things work to the good of those who love the Lord." Somehow, this is going to turn out well.

Please don't think for a moment that I'm belittling this girl's pain and suggesting that we sugar-coat everything to say that the situation isn't absolutely horrible or that we can just ignore it and it will go away. That's not what I'm saying at all. I have the greatest sympathy with both the girl and the family. I only pray that the girl has the courage to continue with what must be done.

Just weathering another storm.
--Anna Grace